City Island

Vince Rizzo, a prison guard living in City Island, struggles with a dysfunctional family, each member hiding their own secrets. The backdrop of the Bronx emphasizes the family's conflicts and complexities.

Vince discovers that his illegitimate son, Tony Nardella, is a 24-year-old inmate in the same prison where he works. This revelation sends Vince into a spiral of conflicting emotions as he grapples with this hidden facet of his life.

Without revealing his true identity, Vince gets Tony released from prison and hires him to help with renovations at home. Vince aims to bond with Tony while maintaining the family dynamic intact, leading to a web of secrets and lies.

Vince has been secretly taking acting lessons and confides in Molly, his instructor, about his dreams and family issues. Their growing friendship offers Vince an escape from his chaotic home life.

The Rizzo family reveals their dysfunctions, including Vince Jr's apathy toward school, Vivian’s secret stripper career, and Joyce's feelings of neglect. Each family member navigates their personal struggles in isolation.

Vivian, unaware of her family's dysfunction, copes with her suspension from college by turning to stripping. Her actions epitomize the turmoil beneath the family surface, showcasing the desperate lengths children go to escape familial pressure.

In her search for affection, Joyce, Vince's wife, unknowingly pursues her son Tony. This misguided attraction highlights the web of confusion and dysfunction plaguing the family.

Vince decides to audition for a role in a Martin Scorsese film, aiming to further his acting career. His initial setbacks turn into triumph when the casting director pushes him to delve deeper into his character, leading to a successful callback.

Vince Jr uncovers Tony's criminal past through his mugshot, igniting tensions within the family. He shares this revelation with Vivian, further complicating their already strained relationships.

Thinking Vince is cheating, Joyce attempts to seduce Tony, leading to a confrontation that unravels the family’s already fragile bonds. Tony's refusal and revelation of the truth create further chaos.

As tensions rise, Tony decides he can no longer remain in the Rizzo home and steals their car. This impulsive act leads to an unexpected encounter with Vivian, deepening his connection to the family.

In a climactic moment, Vince reveals all the family secrets—including his acting career and Tony's identity. This revelation shocks them all, prompting reflections on their individual problems and a desire for change.

After the truth is unveiled, the family begins to reconcile, acknowledging their issues while welcoming Tony as part of their unconventional unit. Forgiveness marks a new beginning for the Rizzos.

Following the family's emotional reckoning, Vince lands the role he auditioned for, marking a pivotal turning point in his life. This success signals hope and potential for the entire family.

Molly, having played a crucial role in Vince's journey, decides to leave for her own family's sake. Her departure signifies both an end and a new beginning for Vince and the Rizzo family.